AFCON 2025: Egypt through as group winners as Angola stare the exit door

A largely home-based Egypt squad withstood sustained pressure from Angola to secure a point in a tense goalless draw at Adrar Stadium in Agadir.

The stalemate ensured the Pharaohs finished atop Group B with seven points, one ahead of South Africa, who edged Zimbabwe 3-2 to claim second place.

For Angola, the result brought their tally to two points in the ongoing 35th edition of the African Cup of Nations, leaving their hopes of progression hanging by a thread as they await a potential spot as one of the best third-placed teams.

Egypt, seeking to extend their unbeaten streak against Angola in competitive AFCON fixtures to a third successive victory, entered the clash already assured of qualification.

While a draw was enough to secure top spot, the Pharaohs were determined to complete a clean sweep of the group stage.

Angola, by contrast, sat on a solitary point and needed maximum points to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive, setting the stage for a high-stakes final group encounter.

The match began cautiously, with both sides probing and testing the defensive organization of their opponents in the opening ten minutes.

Angola registered the first real chance in the 12th minute when Zamalek SC forward Chico Banza latched onto a perfect pass from Kialonda Gaspar, but blazed his effort over the bar from close range.

Egypt responded a few minutes later through Mahmoud Saber.

The ZED FC midfielder met a precise delivery from Ibrahim Adel, only to be denied by a sharp save from goalkeeper Carmo.

The Pharaohs continued to press, with Hossam Abdel-Maguid forcing an overhead effort from Mostafa Mohamed that narrowly sailed over the bar in the 20th minute.

Mostafa Mohamed later had another effort ruled out for offside after a well-executed lofted pass from Mohamed Ismail.

Angola threatened repeatedly, with Volos FC defender Núrio Fortuna striking a powerful drive that Abdel-Maguid managed to deflect for a corner.

Banza again came close, failing to convert a through ball from Zito Luvumbo.

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Al Ahly striker Mabululu saw his soft effort comfortably held by Egypt’s Mostafa Shobeir.

The final chance of the first half fell to Alfredo Kulembe Ribeiro, whose fierce strike from outside the 25-yard mark forced a full-stretch double-hand punch from Shobeir, keeping the match scoreless at halftime.

Angola started the second half with renewed determination.

Zito Luvumbo’s curling effort went just wide, while Ribeiro struck the crossbar with a stunning free-kick attempt that nearly gave Angola the lead.

Egypt responded with Adel, whose thunderous effort inside the six-yard box was expertly blocked by Hugo Marques.

Angola’s Beni Mukendi came close from distance, but the ball skimmed wide.

Egypt’s Mohamed Sayed tested Angola’s defense in the 68th minute, only to be denied by a decisive block from David Carmo.

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Later, Mohamed narrowly missed from close range, and Sayed was again thwarted by Gaspar inside the penalty area.

Angola substitutes M’Bala Nzola and Manuel Benson also threatened late, but both efforts went narrowly wide.

Marwan Attia’s long-range attempt in the 86th minute nearly sealed the win for Egypt but struck inches wide.

Despite frantic late exchanges, neither side could find a breakthrough as the two nations settled for a point a piece.

The result saw Egypt top Group B, while Angola remain on the cusp of elimination.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, were officially eliminated from the tournament following their defeat to South Africa.

Egypt’s disciplined defensive display and measured attacking approach ensured they ended the group stage undefeated, highlighting their depth and tactical maturity.

Angola, despite flashes of creativity and attacking intent, will now have to wait and hope for a lifeline as one of the best third-placed teams to progress to the knockout stages.

AFCON 2025 - GROUP STAGE

3rd round

Monday

Angola - Egypt 0-0

Zimbabwe - South Africa 2-3 (1-1)

/Maswanhise 19, Modiba 73 og - Moremi 7, Foster 50, Appollis 82 pen/

22.00: (6.75) Comoros (3.90) Mali (1.55)

22.00: (14.0) Zambia (6.00) Morocco (1.22)

Tuesday

19.00: (8.00) Tanzania (4.00) Tunisia (1.47)

19.00: (3.45) Uganda (3.15) Nigeria (2.25)

22.00: (11.0) Benin (5.20) Senegal (1.30)

22.00: (12.0) Botswana (5.60) Dr Congo (1.27)

Wednesday

19.00: (6.00) Equatorial Guinea (3.60) Algeria (1.65)

19.00: (4.60) Sudan (3.35) Burkina Faso (1.87)

22.00: (6.00) Gabon (3.60) Ivory Coast (1.65)

22.00: (7.00) Mozambique (4.50) Cameroon (1.45)

***odds are subject to change***